Edwin Sifuna Ousted as ODM Secretary General, Party Confirms
The Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) has removed Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna from his position as Secretary General following a resolution by the party’s National Executive Council (NEC), marking a significant shift within the opposition outfit’s top leadership.
The decision was confirmed on Tuesday after a NEC meeting held on Wednesday, February 11, where senior party officials deliberated on what they termed as concerns over discipline and adherence to party structures.
In a statement released after the meeting, the party emphasised the need to uphold constitutional order and collective responsibility within its ranks.
“The National Executive Council (NEC) expressed concern over rising levels of indiscipline within the party, especially within senior leadership positions. The committee declared that ODM is governed by constitutional rule of law and collective decision-making through its duly constituted organs,” the statement read.
The NEC further announced that Sifuna’s removal takes effect immediately.
“Having deliberated on matters relating to the conduct of Secretary General Edwin Sifuna, the NEC resolved to remove him from office effective immediately,” the statement added.
Busia Woman Representative Catherine Omanyo, who had been serving as Deputy Secretary General, has been appointed to take over the role in an acting capacity. She will oversee the party’s Secretariat as ODM prepares for its National Delegates Convention (NDC) slated for March 27, 2026.
Sifuna’s absence from the NEC meeting, alongside Deputy Party Leader Godfrey Otsotsi, had earlier fueled speculation about internal tensions. Political observers had noted that the Nairobi senator appeared increasingly isolated within the party’s top leadership.
In previous public remarks, ODM Party Leader Senator Oburu Oginga had signaled that disciplinary action was imminent against certain members accused of deviating from the party’s agreed positions.
“I am not very happy that when we pass resolutions here, some of the members of the central committee go out to say contrary to what we have agreed,” Oburu had stated in an earlier address, warning that the party would not tolerate insubordination.
Sifuna, a vocal and often outspoken figure in national politics, has consistently criticised the Kenya Kwanza administration and publicly maintained that he would not align himself with the government, regardless of the broader direction taken by ODM’s leadership.
One of the clearest expressions of his dissent was his involvement in the “Linda Mwananchi” tours, a grassroots mobilisation campaign that began in Busia County over the weekend. The initiative brought together several ODM leaders who have positioned themselves as defenders of citizen interests amid shifting political alliances.
Moments after news of his removal became public, Sifuna took to social media to affirm that the tours would proceed as planned.
While he did not directly address his ouster, his announcement signaled defiance and a determination to continue political engagements. The next event under the Linda Mwananchi banner is scheduled for Sunday, February 15, in Kitengela. Among those expected to attend are Siaya Governor James Orengo, Embakasi East MP Babu Owino, Godfrey Otsotsi, and Kisii Senator Richard Onyonka.
Beyond Sifuna’s removal, the NEC also resolved to initiate the formal process of exiting the Azimio la Umoja One coalition. The move underscores a broader realignment within ODM as it repositions itself ahead of the 2027 General Election.
As the party heads toward its March convention, attention is likely to focus on how internal divisions will be managed and whether the leadership shake-up will strengthen or further strain ODM’s standing within the opposition landscape.
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Edwin Sifuna Ousted as ODM Secretary General, Party Confirms
